Construction splits 4.3 mile portion of 101 between Carpinteria and Ventura

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif.-Commuters and tourists driving between Santa Barbara and Ventura may have seen an increase in traffic and accidents in an area drivers are calling the 101 split.

 "I think it is very confusing and even more for people that don't, aren't from here, or locals from here," said Mayra Lopez of Carpinteria, "There's a lot of accidents too and once i almost got hit it was scary."

Lopez said she tries to take the right side of the split and she is not alone.

Anthony Pozos said he thinks it is the safest way to go.

"I kind of just go right, it's been a bit tough, especially when it's been raining," said Pozos.

Forecasters said more rain is on the way.

Caltrans District 7 Public Information Officer Jim Medina urges people to drive cautiously through the construction zones.

"As motorists come from Carpinteria, traveling south, they will see a southbound bypass lane where the lanes are basically split to the left and right of the median to allow work behind barriers on two right lanes along the Pacific ocean," said Medina.

Tens of thousand of drivers travel the 101 between Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties each day.

"This is about a 4.3 mile section that is a heavily traveled corridor where we see about 75 thousand motorists per day."

The project is funded by Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) also known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act.

Although a widening project is underway in Santa Barbara Count, this is not a widening project.

Media said it's a repair project.

"The $48 million Highway 101 project in Ventura County is replacing damaged pavement on two right lanes in each direction of the highway from Mussel Shoals to Faria Beach."

There is light at the end of the split.

Southbound bypass lanes will be reconfigured by the end of January.

"At that time a northbound bypass lane will be aligned to complete work on the northbound side the project is expected to be completed in the fall 2023," said Medina.

Caltrans calls it a short-term inconvenience that will have many benefits down the road.

Medina said the benefits include, " extending the life of the pavement for forty years, repairing shoulders, repaving on and off ramps, installing new guard rails and enhancing traffic safety."

Until it's complete drivers should do their part so everyone can get where they are going safely.

For more information visit dot.ca.gov